Computer animators are hired to create 2D and 3D special effects for websites, advertisements, television, film, video games and movies. They are highly trained in working with sophisticated graphics and animation programs, through degree programs and/or on the job training. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for computer animators is currently growing at about 8 percent per year. Some computer animators work for companies and others work on a freelancing basis. If you have a passion for computers and graphic art, then find out how to become a computer animator.

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Steps

1

Earn your high school diploma or receive your Graduate Record Examination certificate. While a degree is recommended, the lowest amount of education that is required across the board is the completion of high school. Take computer, art and graphic design classes during secondary education if possible.

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2

Apply to the school program of your choice. There are a number of different routes you can take, depending upon the type of animation you would like to do and how much money and time you want to put toward your education. For some employers, you can make up a lower amount of education with a high amount of industry experience.

Apply for an associate's degree program in computer animation. This degree track is usually 2 years long and is highly focused on the technical aspects of the profession, rather than the art. Ensure you choose a program that train in Adobe Creative Suite, including After Effects and Dreamweaver, as well as Maya and Flash animation software.

Apply for a bachelor's degree in computer animation or graphic design. Research programs in order to ensure you can focus on animation design and technology. Some graphic design programs spend little time teaching animation, so choose your program well.

Apply for a bachelor's degree in fine arts with an emphasis or minor in computer animation. Fine arts programs can give you a good base in the art design portion of animation; however, choose a program that allows you to include a large number of animation and technology courses.

3

Find an internship while you are studying. Some entry level positions require that you have 1 year of experience before starting. You can gain this experience by working as an assistant to an animator while you are still learning the skills needed to animate.

4

Specialize in the type of animation you would like to perform while in your last years in college. If you know you want to work in video games or web animation, then try to take on an internship in this field and focus your school projects on this subset of animation. If you do this, you can leave school with a portfolio that is filled with samples needed to get a good job in that type of animation.

5

Produce your portfolio. After 2 to 4 years of school, you should be able to gather a large number of successful animation projects to give to perspective employers. Focus on producing a professional quality computer animation portfolio in an easy to use digital format.

Unlike traditional art portfolios, an animator's portfolio is primarily digital, rather than a physical notebook of work. It is a good idea to gather animation for television, film, websites and more and then choose your portfolio samples according to the job you are applying for.

Find a secure online site to host your animation, for easy transmission of your portfolio. This will be easier for employers to access remotely than large emailed files. It also affords you the opportunity to use web design or graphic design skills. Job applications are heavily weighted on portfolios, so spend plenty of time and some expense in creating yours.

6

Join the Computer Graphics Society (CG Society). For $50 to $80 per year, you gain access to job postings, a portfolio platform, training and special technology. Use this society as a great way to gain industry experience and contacts.

7

Apply for your first job. There are also a number of job tracks that you can take after college.

If you have not yet done an internship or if your education was focused on the arts rather than animation, apply to become an assistant animator. Look for positions where you get on the job training and you can be promoted to an animator position.

If you have graduated from a 4-year university in computer animation and completed an internship, you can apply directly for an animator position. You may still have to start in an entry-level position, but you should be able to work directly in the field.

Apply for freelance work from businesses and individuals in need of piecemeal animation. This is a great way to build your portfolio, but it can be difficult to get full-time work. If you need additional portfolio items, volunteer some freelance projects for friends or charitable organizations.

8

Gain years of valuable work experience in the field. Unlike many other degree tracks, you can compensate for a lack of education with technical proficiency and years of experience. Stay current on new technology, computer platforms and industry trends.

Computer animators often need 5 to 10 years of industry experience before getting high level animator jobs for companies or supporting themselves with a freelance animation business.

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